Where to Get Great Food and Drinks in Seattle for the 4th of July

This 4th of July could be a little more celebratory than last year’s holiday as most of the COVID-related restrictions – including restaurant capacity restrictions – are to be lifted. Governor Jay Inslee is on a mini-tour to showcase the success of vaccinations in Washington (nearly 70 percent of residents 16 and older have received at least one vaccination). And the pomp and circumstance lead into the vacation weekend where restaurants and bars can fill their spaces to the limit if they so choose. Those who are fully vaccinated will not need to wear a mask inside as the King County’s policy has now been repealed.

Despite the festival, July 4th will not be normal. For one thing, there won’t be any official Seafair fireworks (it’s virtual this year) and while there are in-person Independence Day events in the Puget Sound area, many continue to make adjustments for health reasons. Guests will no doubt have mixed feelings as they walk into large crowds and count after 16 months of a deadly pandemic (even the majority of fully vaccinated respondents were careful with things in a recent survey by Eater Seattle). And restaurants may still be at capacity and not quite ready to get going again.

With that in mind, there are a few places across town offering July 4th specials, both for on-site service and take-away for those who might still sit back, watch fireworks on TV and immerse themselves in the what was already searing want to relax summer

Lady Jaye

This West Seattle smokehouse has a great deck and is right in the center of the action on California Avenue (plus not far from Alki). But for those who want to grill at home, the restaurant is a sturdy “meat box” of Demonico steaks, New York pork steaks, two pounds of Wagyu beef, eggs, breakfast maple sausage, Lady Jaye’s special barbecue sauce, rub, and a pint Bloody Mary beef broth, with glasses.

Mamnoon

Capitol Hill’s popular Lebanese-influenced restaurant has a take-home, Levantine barbecue package for four people with Shish Taouk, minced meat kefta, smoked shoulder of lamb, hummus, labneh, pita chips, cucumber, a melon and stone fruit salad and biscuits for dessert. Kits can be ordered here, for July 3rd pickup, and add-ons include bottled cocktails, including the Baharat Sour (whiskey, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom honey).

Taku

“Top Chef: Portland” star Shota Nakajima recently set the focus in its cozy Capitol Hill spot to marinated, whipped and twice-fried karaage, which are available as nuggets and wings. The July 4th “Party Package” includes four pounds of roast chicken plus potato salad, mac salad, Brussels sprouts, and cucumber sunomono, with some alcohol options (including jello shots). All orders must be placed in advance.

The London plane

Those tired of the meat-heavy grill menu may want to take a look at this market / bistro / bakery in Pioneer Square. The July 4th pantry contains four corn on the cob, sugar peas, zucchini, summer squash, sun gold tomato, and basil that can make a great cold salad. The bakery plans to offer cherry pie with soft whip as a side dish, and there is an option to add bottles of local rosé.

The mountaineering club

The Graduate Seattle Hotel in the U District has an impressive rooftop bar with great views. While no official city fireworks are lit, there are some sparkler-clad cocktails here, including a “Drink on Fire” with flaming citrus, along with champagne cocktail slushies, magnum bottles of sparkling wine, and boiled oysters with flavored brown butter, lemon, and aioli .

Zylbersteins

Pinehurst’s Jewish deli, never to be missed on a holiday deal, has a couple of different meal packages through Tock, including one with homemade smash burgers (with patties from the renowned Beast & Cleaver butcher), challah buns, and many more special family recipes. There’s also a sausage pack (with a choice of hot dogs, kielbasa, or bratwurst) and some picnic options with cold cuts.

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